Southern California CIO Community
Executive Summit

Sensitive data movement can be risky but restricting it outright can create operational and security challenges. In an era of agentic AI, generative AI, and emerging quantum computing, organizations need security frameworks that protect data while ensuring agility. This session explores how modern security platforms enable secure data flow, adapt to diverse use cases and prepare for the post-quantum encryption (PQE) shift.

Join this keynote to learn:

• How to choose the right secure access method for each use case
• Why security must be adaptive to risk, user behavior and AI-driven interactions
• How to prepare for post-quantum encryption and its enterprise security impact

The growing maturity of AI platforms is pushing enterprises to move beyond experimentation and into real-world deployment. While Gartner reports that 70% of enterprises are advancing AI operations, 49% of leaders still struggle to quantify and demonstrate its value—creating a significant gap between AI potential and business impact.

Join this interactive session to explore:

• Practical AI applications that enhance customer experiences and deliver measurable outcomes
• Real-world strategies for scaling AI initiatives that drive operational efficiency and growth
• Lessons learned from AI deployments across industries

Talent is a key enabler and competitive differentiator for the successful execution of digital business and IT strategies. Given the fast pace of technology and business change, having a tactical staffing plan is no longer enough to build a future-ready workforce.

Join this interactive session with Gartner Distinguished VP Vimarsh Bakaya to:

• Establish key steps in building a strategic workforce plan
• Develop your own IT skills quadrant
• Create a human-centric AI upskilling strategy

The ever-evolving threat landscape places organizations in a “not if but when” position for cyber attacks. How can CIOs best protect the enterprise from an attack, and what can be done to prepare should one happen?

 Join this session to discuss:

• Improving cybersecurity strength and readiness with a focus on safeguarding data
• Implementing sophisticated measures for risk management while navigating budget constraints
• Aligning organization goals with cybersecurity through your leadership

CIOs can enhance organizational success by strategically allocating IT resources to innovative, value-generating opportunities, rather than relying on traditional cost-cutting measures. This proactive approach aligns IT investments with business objectives, fostering long-term value creation.

Join your peers to discuss:

• Implementing cultural changes around cost management
• Anticipating the long-term implications of short-term cost cuts
• Engaging business stakeholders in cost management decisions

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Gartner C-level Communities' Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

CIOs are balancing an ever-increasing number of service providers which requires a strong vendor and application rationalization strategy.  How can leaders evolve their application strategies to optimize cost, increase operational efficiencies, and remain agile in the face of constant change?

Join this session to discuss:

• Incorporating effective contract management to avoid vendor lock-in
• Creating architectures that evolve with ever-changing business requirements
• Discontinuing legacy systems, modernizing, and shifting to agile solutions

Disasters disrupt business operations, challenging leaders to ensure team flexibility and resilience. Join CIOs who led their teams through the Los Angeles fires as they share invaluable lessons, effective practices, and strategies for recovery. 

This session will explore:

• Strategies for developing and managing agile, high-performing IT teams during emergencies
• Leadership and the strategic mindset required to navigate crises effectively
• Observations for effective disaster recovery and business continuity resilience

Gartner research predicts by 2028 there will be at least a 25% decline of women in IT leadership roles. How can we work to reverse this decline and create a supportive community that equips women for senior roles, amplifies their visibility and mitigates bias?

Join this session with your peers to discuss:

• Building an equitable talent pipeline
• Addressing the real reasons women choose to leave the technology field
• Maintaining the spirit of DEI programs without official "branding"

As digital transformation, innovation and technology continue to accelerate, organizations must adapt quickly and take a forward-looking approach to remain competitive and proactive. Sustainable transformation requires evolving technologies, culture, and organizational structures - placing new demands on CIOs to refine their strategies, competencies, and technology roadmaps. 

Join this CIO panel as they discuss:

• Long-term planning for emerging technologies like AI to drive sustained relevance and innovation
• The evolving role of IT leadership and what it will take to succeed in the coming years
• Elevating the CIO's influence across the C-suite and beyond to shape business strategy

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from top technology leaders on navigating the future of IT.

Finish the day sharing lessons learned with your peers over light fare and drinks at this closing reception hosted by your governing body members.